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Exercise for Your Mind
Most of us are aware of the
physical benefits of exercise, but few of us know about
the resulting mental nourishment. Physical activity
enriches your mind and improves your mental state.
“The mind and the body cannot be separated,” says
Dr. George Solomon of the University of Califomia-Los
Apgeles. “Mental and physical well-being are inextricably
intertwined.”
Many of us lose our appetite when under stress.
Sometimes it induces headaches, coughing spells or stut
tering. Tension causes irritability, anxiety and depression.
Other physical signs of mental distress are fatigue, indi
gestion, rapid heartbeat and vague aches or pains.
There’s a simple proven way to uplift a poor mental
attitude. Studies show physical activity reduces anxiety,
stress and anger. It brings about a sense of well-being.
With all these mental flaws under control or at least
reduced, your psychological outlook improves and you
are happier.
Studies show people who exercise regularly score
higher on mental tests and they even learn faster. The
Health for Life
With an average life expectancy
of 77 years, Americans are living longer. Still, a long
life doesn’t automatically equal a better or healthier one.
Arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease
and strokes are just a few of the health risks and condi
tions that people face as they get older.
Even so, aging without illness or disability is pos
sible for many people, but requires commitment, says
Mathy Mezey of Ardsley, N.Y. (pop. 4,269), director of
die Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing in New
York, N.Y.
“You’ve heard the joke, ’lf I’d known I was going
to live this long I’d have taken better care of myself,"’
Mezey says. “It’s true —taking care of yourself and
being intellectually stimulated can improve the quality
of your life as you age."
While genetics play a role in aging, staying involved,
eating well and getting regular medical care are vital to
a healthful lifestyle, and remaining physically active is
crucial.
"We know people in their 80s benefit from exer
cise,” says Dr. Harvey Cohen, an internist and geriatri
cian at Duke University's Center for Aging in Durham,
N.C. The connection between prevention and healthy
aging is clear, he says, but “there’s no magic bullet for
a long, healthy life. Healthy aging is the sum of the
choices you make over your lifetime."
To enhance your chances of enjoying good health
as you age:
sage who said, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,"
was talking about a couch-potato canine.
Other studies show that physical activity improves
memory and suggests any age-related mental decline
might be due to poor blood circulation in the brain. Dr.
Lydia Bronte, co-editor of Our Aging Society: Paradox
and Promise, says many problems of old age are really
caused by lack of activity.
Some doctors claim an increased blood flow
to the brain enhances all cerebral functions.
Without exercise for a long time, blood vessels in
the brain shrink and limit blood flow even further.
A higher blood flow to the brain from exercise
increases the metabolism rate of brain cells.
Among other things, this results in faster reaction
times. It provides an energy boost and then you
can accomplish more.
Excess toxins cause headaches, and sometimes an
overworked liver can’t remove toxins fast enough. With
exercise, the liver works more efficiently.
Don't smoke —Tobacco contributes to heart
•and lung diseases, cancer, stroke and hypertension.
Eat well —Building your meals around lean
meat and low-fat dairy products, vegetables, fruits and
whole grains fuels a healthy body.
Watch your weight —Being overweight
increases the risk for hypertension, diabetes and heart
disease.
Limit alcohol consumption —Abusing alco
hol can contribute to liver damage, heart attack and
debilitating injuries caused by falls.
Stay fit —Being physically active several times a
week lifts the spirits and keeps the body resilient.
Exercise your mind -Doing puzzles, taking
classes, teaching others, reading and writing, talking
about current events and playing cards stimulate the
mind and memory.
Get health screenings —Have regular cancer,
vision and depression screenings and blood pressure,
cholesterol, blood sugar and bone density checks.
Knowing the results of these tests allows you to make
eariy, needed lifestyle changes or receive treatment to
prevent debilitating stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis,
diabetes and depression.
Maintain a support network —lnteraction
with others is important for a healthful, meaningful
life, whether its family, as a volunteer, in your neighbor
hood, at church or on the job.
Manly Form is a freelance writer in Nashville, Term.
by ROGER MEYER
Some people like to participate in several exercise
routines for variety and to avoid boredom. Consider tai
chi, dancing, swimming or aerobics. Try to exercise three
to five times a week for between 10 and 60 minutes.
A common activity is walking. Almost everyone can
walk a little to start an exercise routine. Since ancient
times, walking has enriched our culture. Many poets,
philosophers and scientists have been habitual walk
ers. There's a reason why many creative people walk.
You can either observe the surroundings as you stroll
or go on autopilot to engage in introspection or just
daydream.
Exercise is gratifying —because you know it bums
fat and clears mental cobwebs. It helps improve sleep,
stamina, energy and digestion. And it reduces backaches
and headaches. It’s good medicine.
Exercise isn’t just good for your heart; it’s also good
for your mind.
Roger Meyer is a writer in Kentwood, Mich.
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by MARDY
FONES
•American Profile